Tutu's daughter to speak at Imani Celebration
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on March 31, 2005 1:47 PM
The daughter of Bishop Desmond Tutu will be the featured speaker at a week-long session of events aimed at empowering the black community in Goldsboro and Wayne County.
Rebuilding Broken Places will sponsor its second annual Imani Celebration on May 7-15.
Dr. Naomi Tutu will speak at the induction of honorees into the Wall of First on Saturday evening, May 14. Those people being inducted have helped found churches, form civic organizations or assist in other ways in bettering the lives of black people in Wayne County and across the state, said the Rev. William J. Barber II, the chairman of the board of Rebuilding Broken Places.
"This year's Imani Celebration and Wall of First records another place in history of Rebuilding Broken Places' efforts to re-energize hope in our community, and to recognize and honor those pace-setters, who in spite of the societal, educational and economic barriers, walked in their faith to better the conditions of their communities," Barber said.
"Our hope is that the efforts of Rebuilding Broken Places and the Imani Celebration and the Wall of First will serve as a model throughout the community for working together to bring about positive change," said Archibald Black, the chief executive officer of the organization.
Imani means faith in Swahili.
Events begin Saturday, May 7, with a health screening, business exposition and drumline competition. On May 9, the Rev. Ricky Wood will give a lecture on "A Faith Perspective on Economics, Prosperity and Community." On May 10, another session on economics, dealing with home ownership, budgeting and investing will be led by Goldie Smith of RBC Centura bank.
Dr. Barber will lead a Bible study on the power of prophetic speech on Wednesday, May 11. Thursday's events will feature a session on planning for college. On Friday, May 13, classes will be held on using the Internet, followed by a lunch sale and evening worship service and prayer walk.
Tutu's speech on Saturday will come during the induction ceremony at 6 p.m, following a symposium on "The State of Moral and Political Values."
On Sunday, a seminar on "Faith Investments for Ministry," will be held, followed by church services at New Mount Moriah United Holy Church.
Most events will be held at the Greenleaf Vision of Faith Community Center at 2105 N. William St. Saturday's symposium and Sunday's seminar will be held at Greenleaf Christian Church at 2110 N. William St.
Tutu grew up under apartheid and has made her life's work speaking about racial, gender, and economic violence both in South Africa and around the globe.
She is the founder and chairman of the Tutu Foundation for Development and Relief in South Africa and is the associate director of the Office of International Relations and Programs at Tennessee State University.